NSDC and Rapido Partner to Create Gig Economy Opportunities Across India

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and bike taxi aggregator Rapido signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi today to create employment pathways for gig workers across India. The partnership will link NSDC's training infrastructure with Rapido's transportation network to provide sustainable earning opportunities for candidates nationwide.

Under the agreement, NSDC will identify and mobilize potential candidates, develop standardized training curricula for technical and safety skills, and provide certification to enhance job readiness. Rapido will establish support systems for driver partners, including access to two and three-wheelers, and integrate them into its digital platform.

"Our mission is to empower India's workforce with industry-relevant skills and connect them to meaningful earning opportunities," said Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International. "This collaboration will equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive as driver partners."

The initiative builds on Rapido's existing network, which currently facilitates income for approximately two million captains (driver partners) monthly and has created earning opportunities for over five million people to date. The company's platform processes about 3.5 million rides daily across more than 500 cities.

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-Founder of Rapido, emphasized the company's commitment to diversity through its "Pink Mobility" initiative, which provides special benefits to female drivers. "This collaboration represents an important step forward as we work together to strengthen India's gig economy and contribute to the growth of the mobility sector," Guntupalli stated.

The partnership addresses growing demand for flexible work arrangements in India's expanding gig economy. According to industry reports, the country's gig workforce is expected to expand to 23.5 million workers by 2030, making initiatives that combine skill development with employment opportunities increasingly important.

NSDC, a public-private partnership working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, serves as the principal architect of India's skill ecosystem. The organization develops vocational training initiatives and supports enterprises creating employment opportunities in emerging sectors.

Rapido, founded in 2015, has evolved into one of India's leading ridesharing platforms, offering bike taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cab services. The company has focused on expanding beyond metropolitan areas to smaller cities, emphasizing affordability and accessibility in transportation.

The collaboration aims to enhance both candidate employability and customer experience while supporting long-term professional growth for driver partners through certified training and stable income prospects.